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​A little tour of our second-night stop-over - the German city of Düsseldorf…

​Düsseldorf, the capital of the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, is an energetic cosmopolitan city, an international business and finance centre renowned for its fashion and trade fairs.

The über-modern approach to lifestyle is best illustrated by the renovated commercial harbour area of MedienHafen, where high-class new buildings rub shoulders with listed and protected warehouses and historical monuments.

Around 700 companies are now located in this “architectural mile” where they enjoy the unique working conditions the area offers (including easy access to the restaurant that serves Düsseldorf’s “most golden” curry sausage!).

So the modern aspects of the city impress, but it is in the square kilometre of the Altstadt (Old Town) where Düsseldorf’s distinct character and attractive diversity really shines. It’s the perfect place to chomp on a pork knuckle or two, washed down with an artisan beer from one of the 260 pubs that form the “longest bar in the world”.

The tranquil atmosphere seamlessly mixes with city hustle and bustle and the range of concert halls, museums and churches all bear witness to the city’s reputation as an international arts and culture centre.

Just like our overnight stop in Northern France, Day 2 provides a destination with its own celebrity alcoholic beverage (do we see a pattern emerging here?!). Possibly not on the level of Champagne for some, nevertheless Düsseldorf’s “Altbier” has its own deserved place in drinking history.

Made from the pale malts associated with modern lagers, Altbier retains the old method of using warm-fermenting yeasts to brew a liquid that combines the lean dryness of lager with the subtle fruity notes of a traditional ale - just the job for wetting the whistle after the long drive on Day 2!

The food is fortifying too - typically full-on and filling, traditional dishes include Ähzezupp (thick pea soup), Flönz (black pudding) and Düsseldorfer Senfrostbraten (Steaks roasted with Düsseldorf mustard on top). Of course, cuisine from around the world is readily available so you can have whatever takes your fancy.

We probably won’t have much time for shopping in the famous Königsallee area but we’re sure everyone will have a fantastic evening in our vibrant Day 2 European destination!